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Castello Monaci

One of the few estates in Puglia to be certified sustainable, Castello Monaci cultivates native varieties with the utmost respect for this unique region. For generations, the Serraca family has been a guardian of Salento's winemaking tradition.

Aiace Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2014

Castello Monaci

An Homeric figure, Ajax Telamon, son of Telamon, is the “Great Ajax”. King of Salamis, he took part in the Trojan War, frequently distinguishing himself amongst the Greek heroes for his strength and outstanding bravery.

Terroir: Aiace is sourced from select parcels of old vine Negroamaro and Malvasia surrounding the winery. Vines average between 40-60+ years old. The Negroamaro vines are trained in the traditional alberello (bush) method to protect the grapes from the harsh sunlight. Soils are made up of deep limestone, sand and clay.

Vinification: Harvest occurs as the grapes reach perfect maturity typically during the last week of September. Following a strict sorting, the grapes are lightly crushed and loaded into stainless steel tanks where they will macerate at low temperatures for a period of two weeks. Following malolactic fermentation and blending the young wines are aged for 12 months in a combination of 1 year old and older French oak. A final blending occurs followed by an additional six months of maturation in large neutral barrels, six more months in stainless steel and finally six months in bottle before release.

Recent Press

Score: 90 Points

Wine SpectatorAuthor: Alison NapjusDate: Friday, December 15, 2017

Plum cake and baked raspberry flavors are accented by oak spice and licorice snap notes in this grippy, medium- to full-bodied red. Bright and expressive, with a lingering, mineral-tinged finish. Best from 2019 through 2024.